Striver.Football founder Tim Chase has offered his insights on the sensational growth of StriveAid ahead of the third edition of the charity match which will take place at Worthing FC’ Sussex Transport Community Stadium on Saturday 3rd October 2026.
From drawing icons like Roberto Carlos and Gilberto Silva to generating hundreds of millions of views, StriveAid has evolved far beyond a simple exhibition match—it has become a powerful beacon for mental health awareness.
A Vision Born From Personal Loss
Launched following the Web Summit in Lisbon, Striver was built with a clear mission: to create a safe, abuse-free social media space for sports fans. But the heart of the platform's community spirit beats loudest during StriveAid.
Reflecting on how the initiative began in September 2024, Chase shared the heartbreaking inspiration behind the match.
"The first one was put on in September 2024 because I've lost six friends to suicide, and I spoke to Roberto [Carlos] and Gilberto [Silva] and said, 'Look, you guys were pretty good at football,” Chase shared.
"The guys that are no longer with us were massive football fans, and I played football with them. Do you think you're playing in a football match?' And Roberto and Gilberto immediately said, 'Of course, of course, we'll be there.'"
That initial match at Lewes Football Ground blew expectations out of the water, pulling in an astonishing 93 million views.
Building on that momentum, the second edition at Worthing FC surged to 150 million views, cementing StriveAid as a global digital phenomenon loaded with inspiring human stories.
The Ultimate Blend of Creators and Legends
What makes StriveAid unique is its ability to bridge different worlds, bringing together football royalty, mega content creators, and everyday fans in an intensely inclusive environment.
"It's a mad mix of massive, massive content creators, a couple of players, a couple of men that were pretty good at football at one stage, and the most engaged, inclusive football match you'll ever see," Chase told BBC Sussex.
"Prizes given away, fan engagement, everything you could possibly hope for from a football match."
Beyond the entertainment value, the core message remains grounded in opening up conversations about mental health and reminding people that it is okay to struggle and talk about it.
StriveAid 2026: Get Your Tickets Now!
With World Cup winner Gilberto Silva returning alongside a growing roster of top-tier creators, StriveAid 2026 promises a full day of incredible football, community engagement and unforgettable fan interactions at Worthing FC.
Tickets are available now through Fanbase. Grab yours today and be part of a movement where football meets a powerful cause!
